Review of current knowledge of plastic intravenous fluid containers.

A review of the features of plastic intravenous fluid containers is presented. The following topics are discussed: (1) handling and storage; (2) environmental and human contamination; (3) particulate matter; (4) water vapor transmission; (5) drug additives; (6) leaching and adsorption; (7) possible toxicity; and (8) cost. It is concluded that various justifications can be presented for both glass and plastic containers.